In a infrequent formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Religious authorities expressed being disturbed by risks to the sanctity of churches and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
In their message, the bishops portrayed what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They expressed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and demonization of foreign nationals, while resisting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Church authorities also voiced major apprehensions about:
The Trump administration has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
The declaration parallels comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under present leadership."
This marks the premier special message of its kind in 12 years, underscoring the gravity of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
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